Reservations available for Oroville Ishi Gathering

OROVILLE — Reservations are currently being taken for the 12th annual Ishi Gathering and Seminar that will encompass several events Aug. 30 and 31.

The Ishi Gathering and Seminar is hosted by the Butte County Historical Society to explore multiple perspectives on our current culture's interactions with California Indians.

It's also a public opportunity to bring together educators, authors, researchers and historians to re-examine the 1911 discovery of Ishi, considered the last Yahi Indian.

The Gathering and Seminar activities begin at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, with a three-hour seminar titled "Do we Learn from History?" at the Butte County Office of Education building on Robinson Street.

At 6 p.m., a dinner will be held at the Ehmann Home, with author and professor William Bauer Jr. presenting the Indian perspective.

Events continue Saturday, Aug. 31, with a breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Ehmann Home and a presentation by artist Steve Allely on how he replicated Ishi's hunting gear.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be the Native Ways Celebration at the Lake Oroville Visitors Center. The Native Ways Celebration will feature local Maidu artisans, crafters and teachers, along with food, displays, music and more.

Organizers ask the public to make reservations, as space is limited. However, Historical Society president Alberta Tracy said there is no deadline to make reservations, and people will be accepted at the door.

The costs per person on Aug. 30 are $10 for the seminar and $20 for the dinner.

The breakfast Aug. 31 costs $10 per person.

Participants may sign up for a portion or all events.

The Native Ways Celebration is free. For reservations and information, call the Butte County Historical Society at 533-9418 or Alberta Tracy at 877-7436.